Nowadays, it’s very common to see industry comparisons regarding Angular.js vs React.js.
Both frameworks are highly popular among software developers, helping them to construct even the most complex applications without much time and effort.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Angular and React (& Vue) to help you make a more informed selection on which framework will best benefit your software development project.
In web application development projects, design work is broken down into two important parts.
The first part is called the backend, which entails building the code that’s “under the hood” or naked to the eyes of the end users.
The second part is called the front end, which is the opposite. Users will be visually impacted by whatever changes you make to the front end. React and Angular are frameworks used in the front end of application development projects.
Below, you’ll learn how they’re similar, different, and which one is beneficial for your project.
What is Angular?
Angular is a framework built using a JavaScript.
It’s written using open-source Typescript, which is used by Google to develop SPAs (single-page applications). Characteristics of Angular include:
- Enhanced designed architecture
- Utilizes Typescript, which allows for cleaner code, enhanced tooling, and better scalability.
- Dependency and services injection
- Model view controller architecture implementation.
What is React?
React, or ReactJS, is a library built using a JavaScript framework.
It was created by Facebook to develop user interfaces (UI) for all kinds of web applications. To better understand React, you should first be mindful of two considerations:
Unlike Angular, React will always perform on the client side. Also, React is closely identified as a library, since a framework provides much less flexibility.
Though, frameworks offer much more homogeneity, limitations, and productivity than libraries.
Here are some noticeable characteristics of React:
- React leverages quick rendering via existing React components.
- React is completely SEO friendly with super fast load speeds from data-binding features.
- React uses simpler code than Angular, which is great for software developers.
Angular vs React: How are They Different?
The interface of any web application utilizes a combination of JavaScript, style sheets, and different HTML elements. Software developers are most interested in finding a great way to present critical information while denoting the actions that will happen when interacting with it.
Thus, understanding the importance of DOM is key here.
DOM and Performance:
It’s important to realize that the DOM model of specific HTML objects will never suffice for the extent of graphic definition software developers want to see on a website page. To create these structures, several simple, repeated actions take place.
This takes place in both React, a programming framework, and Angular, a library built using JavaScript. Being a framework constructed and managed by Google, Angular simplifies a bunch of natural website development actions.
It’s main purpose is to refine significant code, which helps programmers avoid performing repeated and common actions. On the other hand, React was built by Facebook to serve as a JavaScript library.
Since it’s main function is to serve as a library, the objects and group functions of this programming language are designed to serve a clear purpose. Basically, the same principle that applies to Angular is true for React, but for different elements.
For clarification purposes, the core differences between Angular and React are as follows:
- The development languages are different.
- The performance in React is superior than Angular because it’s simpler to implement a virtual DOM.
- The architectures are also very different.
What is Data Binding?
The components that exist in the React framework is very similar to how a modular building kit works.
The user interfaces (UI) components of a web application that is built using React is categorized into more concise elements, including both one-way data binding and two-way data binding.
This is achieved by maintaining the same level of repetition in common web development projects. Since React is a JavaScript library, the main components worth discussing here are classes and functions.
The most effective way to group these components together is by causing the DOM of each website page to display its core elements. By doing so, software developers can achieve a higher degree of abstraction and simplify the final code that affects the front end of the application.
On the contrary, Angular components look like HTML tags that can be designed to denote elements that frequently repeat.
Popular Web Applications Built Using Angular vs React
Again, Angular and React is used extensively in software development projects throughout the world. Below, you’ll find the different companies that use these frameworks:
Angular:
- Walmart
- Netflix
- GitHub
- Microsoft
- Slack
React:
- Netflix
- Uber
Which Framework is Best?
The Angular framework is designed specifically for mobile and web applications. On the other hand, React is a UI framework, which can match the versatility of Angular with additional libraries.
At first glance, React seems simpler to use. Granted, it takes less time to start a React project, but you’ll still need to learn how to integrate additional JavaScript tools and frameworks.
Angular is a bit more complicated to use and master. Nonetheless, it’s a dynamic tool that allows for a complete website development experience.
Once you demolish the learning curve on how to use it, there’s no limit on the types of applications you can create.
Ultimately, choosing between Angular and React is a matter of a personal preference. Both tools are frequently updated to keep up with each other. If you’re new to software development, you should probably use React.
If you’re an experienced developer, then you can pick your choice of either two. In addition, if you’re a project manager looking to outsource larger application development projects, it’s best to consult with your team first before choosing a framework.
Outsource Your Software Development Project
Software development projects are very extensive and require a lot of different moving parts, from staff to fluctuating deadlines. If you lack the time and expertise to manage your upcoming product, we can help.
At Dev.co, we specialize in building exceptional web products. Our team of more than 500+ developers can develop any enterprise software solution, including any React.js application (e.g. Next.js even with its pros and cons).
To learn more about how we can help you build web apps with Javascript code via expert software developers, contact us today to speak to a member of our team.
Connect with Ryan on Linkedin.
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